Training and Development 335
For technology training to be effective, it needs to be designed with good
learning principles, match the agency ’ s technology infrastructure, and have
top management support. Additional factors to consider include the budget and
resources to develop and support the use of new technology, whether trainees
are geographically dispersed and whether travel costs related to training are
high, whether trainees are comfortable using technology, whether employ-
ees have diffi culty making the time for scheduled training programs, and
if there is suffi cient time for practice, feedback, and assessment. Traditional
training methods such as classroom instruction and behavior modeling can
be delivered to trainees rather than requiring them to come to a central
training location.
Once organizations have put together career development programs,
they must maintain and update these programs. Career development
should be linked with other HRM strategies, such as succession planning,
performance evaluations, quality management initiatives, and new - employee
orientation. Managers should be held accountable for developing their
individual employees. Providing feedback and coaching to their staff
should be one of their main responsibilities.
Agencies that are serious about training and career development
should continue to monitor, evaluate, and revise their training and career
development programs. To be successful, training and career development
programs need to be fully integrated with the organization ’ s strategic focus
and SHRM system. Increased skill acquisition will be effective only if
agencies accurately identify and predict the types of KSAOCs and posi-
tions that will be required. If career paths are identifi ed, training and
development programs must be used to move employees along the path.
New approaches to training need to be considered, and organizational
reward structures should encourage individual growth and development
that benefi ts both the employee and the organization. New technologies
have infl uenced the delivery of training, training administration, and training
support.